*(~)*
John 15:13~
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay done his life for his friends
*(~)*

The Ultimatum

The Upper Ring was covered with fire. Madness spread all around, people running everywhere without a care. All morals and values flew right out the window. The Queen was gone, so that meant they were free. Free to do whatever they wanted.
Whatever they wanted.
P'Li stood on the rooftop of the city, overlooking the entire area. Zaheer stood beside her, both enjoying the chaos that occurred before their eyes. This was the start of the new era. One of true freedom. This was a dream come true for them. At long last, the oppressed people of this city could experience true freedom. With nobody to stop them.

Zaheer:
We heard you've spent all of your lives
Ruled by a queen who was a beast
We've thought of something that is better
Something that changes all the rules

Why obey someone you hate?
When all of you shine brighter
Here's a chance to find your flame
Are you a prisoner or a fighter

Zaheer and P'Li:
Look around, don't you see
This way of life is better
There is only one voice to obey
It's not a sin to only care what you want
What's right or wrong is only what you decide

P'Li:
You're a star and you should know it
You're the king of your own mind
It doesn't matter who you hurt
If you're just following your gut
If you, wa--a-a-a

Red Lotus:
Want it!
Go on an take it
If you want it, go and take it now
No more restraint
No lord to obey
Cause if you want it
Take it
Will it
Do with no regrets!

Red Lotus and citizens:
Look around, don't you see?
This way of life is better
There is only one voice to obey
It's not a sin to only care what you want
What's right or wrong is only what I decide!

Want it!
Go on an take it
If you want it, go and take it now
No more restraint
No lord to obey
Cause if you want it
Take it!
Will it!
Do with no regrets!

As Mako, Bolin and the ponies made their way out of the prison, they overheard the villains.

Bolin;
"You now, for a bunch of bad guys, they've got some pretty good pipes."

(~)

As Mako, Bolin and the ponies made their way through the palace, they saw people everywhere, stealing anything they could get their greedy hands on; vases, paintings, jewels, even the curtains, anything!
The ponies were not used to seeing such madness and acts of greed. Fluttershy came to an abrupt halt when she heard the noise of frightened chatter. She spotted a small mouse attempting to avoid all of the people running into the palace. The mouse looked so terrified. Feeling compassion, Fluttershy rushed on by and took the mouse into her hands.
"Don't worry, you're safe now." she said kindly as the mouse rested in her palms. What she didn't know was that this mouse was in fact, Hou-Ting.
The friends made it to the opening of the palace as they watched more and more people rush inside to take whatever wasn't nailed down. Even Mako was repulsed by all of this pandemonium.
"I can't believe it! The Upper Ring is in chaos!"
Rarity shrieked when a man rushed right past her, not even bothering to say 'excuse me'. She scoffed, "No kidding! You take down one power hungry queen and all of a sudden everybody forgets their humanity! I'm sensing a very twisted example of irony here."
A group of men stood before the guard at the palace entrance. "Don't try to stop us; we're taking back what's ours."
"Stop you? I'm gonna join you." the guard removed his helmet and pointed to the entrance with his spear, "I know where the good stuff is." as the group ran inside, the friends witnessed even more looters run past them.
"Should we do something?" Bolin asked.
"This isn't our battle." Mako stated as he walked ahead, the ponies close behind, "We have to deliver Zaheer's message to Korra immediately."
"Not to mention find Twilight, and Spike and Flash and Rainbow Dash and Asami." Pinkie pointed out while counting each of her friends with her fingers.
"Right. Okay, find our friends, deliver message to Korra." Bolin said, "Yeah, this should be easy. We just got to get out of the city and get to the desert, then somehow find her in the vast expansive wasteland that goes on for thousands, and thousands, of miles." as the reality of their situation sunk in further, Bolin sighed hopelessly. "This isn't gonna be easy."
"Sure it will!" said Pinkie Pie.
"How?"
"We use that, silly." She pointed her finger towards an airship that was hovering on top of them.
"Good thinking, Pinkie." Mako said. Until the reality of his words hit him. "Whoa, there's a sentence I never thought I would say."
There was a whole line of airships, various of them which were already flying upwards and leaving the city. The friends managed to find one remaining and ran inside. Mako entered first and Bolin second, colliding with Mako's hand which promptly stopped the earthbender and shoved him a few feet away. The ponies and the boys witnessed a trio of looters stealing the airship components. Mako grabbed their attention.
"Excuse me, may I have your attention please? I'm with the Republic City Police and the Royal Court of Canterlot, I need to commandeer this airship to help the Princess Avatar."
"If you don't mind, that is." Fluttershy said sweetly from behind him.
The looters briefly stopped what they were doing and looked at the group…and went back to what they were doing, oblivious to the others. Rarity stepped forward, slightly shoving the boys aside in her usual glamour manner.
"Stand back, boys." she cleared her throat before speaking the looters, "Hey, the Queen's gold's on the third floor of the palace, second door on the right, you can't miss it." To the looters' delight, they ran out of the airship, and Rarity smiled smugly. "It's all in the delivery, darling."
Bolin returned the smile, "Point one for the unicorn."
The friends ran to the controls, but were quite shocked to find that the looters had stolen pretty much everything that they needed. Almost nothing was left and everything was out of place, with wires and buttons scattered everywhere.
"I don't believe it, they took everythin'!" Applejack in disbelief.
"I know," Mako said, "I mean, who rips out a transmission radio?"
Pinkie Pie popped her head up from underneath the control panel and shook it in disapproval, "Some folks just do not have respect for other people's property." she said.
Bolin nodded in agreement as he sat on the pilot's seat. "True words my friend. Now let's steal this airship!"
"Boly, do you even know how to fly this thing?" Rarity asked, pointing her finger at the banged up controls.
"Technically speaking, no. But, c'mon, how hard could it be?" after he said this, a glass lens fell off the control. The girls and Mako, minus Pinkie, all shared worried looks.
"Yeah, we're doomed." Fluttershy said dryly.
Bolin confidently pushed a lever with his right hand, causing the airship to skid forward across as citizens scattered away in terror. The friends held on for their dear lives to the side of the ship and Fluttershy held on to Mako's arm for support for which he allowed, having always viewed Fluttershy as a little sister.
Mako shouted at Bolin, "Up! Up!"
"I don't see any up button. I see levers and switches, oh, there it is." Bolin finally managed to rise the airship properly. Rarity sighed in relief.
"Boly, if after all of this you somehow manage to get a driver's license, I'm taking a cab!"

(~)

Fluttershy felt her eyes begin to water as she watched the entire city of Ba Sing Se being burned to the ground. Flames were everywhere, people stealing and doing whatever they wanted, taking a advantage of their new freedom. Quite selfishly she might add. People's homes were destroyed, and smoke rose up from the ashes, so thick she could barely see the ground. Not that she would want to. Hou-Ting rested on Fluttershy's shoulder, sadly watching in regret as her city fell into ruins. She knew that while they all believe she was dead, in a way she was partly to blame for this.
If she had not been so horrible to the people in the first place they wouldn't be lashing out all of their contained anger towards her in such a way. She brought this chaos as well as Zaheer did. She no longer felt superior to them, in her current form she was no more important than anyone. In fact, she was now literally beneath her people. The way they completely ignored her presence as they rushed into the palace made her feel like a worthless nothing. Scared and even a bit angry at their obliviousness to her fear and insecurity. Who would have thought that turning into such a small and helpless creature who make her see the world in a whole new light.
Mako looked down at the city, his heart sinking at the sight. As someone who had lost a great deal in his past he could only imagine the suffering those people were going through.
"The whole city is falling to pieces."
Bolin turned his his brother with worry, "Mako, our family's down there."
He was right. Mako had already lost his family once, he was not going to lose them again. "Move over, we're getting them out." He roughly shoved Bolin aside, causing him to fall from his chair, and took over the controls.
Bolin rose up, narrowing his eyes at his brother, "Oh, you think just because you dated Asami, you know how to fly this better than me?!"
"Yeah."
Mako piloted the airship above their paternal family's house and opened up the hatch. Bolin slide down the hatch, down a latter and entered the home via the window. His family was quite surprised to see him.
"Bolin? What are you doing here?" asked his uncle Chow.
"I came to get you guys out. This whole block is about to go up in flames. Come on, Mako and I have an airship on the roof."
"We can't. Grandma won't go." Tu said.
Yin sat on the floor, "This place is my whole world. I will not leave!" she stood up and walked up to Bolin, "Oh, but I'm so glad my little Bolin has come back to visit. Sit down, would you like some tea?"
"Grandma, we don't have time for tea." said Bolin, as smoke began to seep through the door behind. Chow tried to reason with his mother,
"Mom, please!"
"No!" Yin responded obstinately, "I can't abandon the place where I raised my family. It's my home."
Bolin understood where his grandmother was coming from, but despite this, he also understood something even more important. He looked into Yin's eyes with all the love of a grandson and spoke from his heart.
"Grandma, there's one thing Mako and I've learned from all our years on the street. It doesn't matter where you go. If you have your family with you, you'll always be at home."
Yin's eyes filled with tears at hearing her grandson's words. But, as we all know, elderly woman can be very, very stubborn. More so than even teenagers.
"I'm not going."
Well, sympathy didn't work, time for some tough love.
"Fine! You leave me no choice." Bolin slung his grandmother over one shoulder, ignoring her protests and turned to rest of his family. "We're rolling out!"
"Wait." Yin quickly took the portrait of Hou-Ting from the wall. "Okay, let's go!"
Bolin walked out of the house and the entire family climbed up to the airship, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie assisted them all as they boarded. Pinkie Pie was now wearing a pilot captain's hat, instructing the family members as they entered.
"That's it everybody, make yourself comfortable. In case of emergencies the exists are to your left and right, keep your hands, arms, legs and elbows inside at all time and please remain seated until we have reach our destination, thank you!"
Once everyone was safely inside, the airship flew off leaving the house before the fire consumed everything. Their house may be gone, but at least they were all safe.
Within the safety of the airship, Bolin took the controls and his and Mako's cousin Tu thanked them, "Thanks for getting us out of there. I mean, I probably could have handled it myself if you guys didn't show up, but, thanks."
Rarity and Applejack rolled their eyes, this guy was basically a slightly more boastful version of Bolin. Yin hung the portrait of Hou-Ting on the side of a window, blew it a kiss and bowed, "May she rest in peace."
The real Hou-Ting watched this from Fluttershy's shoulder, and she squeaked sadly. She did not deserve this woman's praise, especially if she saw her now.
"This airship is nice. Is it our new home?" Yin asked her eldest grandson.
"No, Grandma. I'm not sure where we're gonna take you, but right now, we need to find Korra."
"Did something happen to the Avatar?" Chow asked.
"I'm afraid so." Mako pulled out a map and placed it on the ground. "Her airship went down somewhere in the desert. She was coming from a military base near the Misty Palms Oasis and heading to Ba Sing Se. If we retrace her route back to the base, we should find the wreckage."
"So ya'll might want to make yourselves as comfortable as you can." said Applejack, "Something tells me we're going to be here for a while."
"That shouldn't be so bad." said Pinkie Pie, who stood in between two family members, embracing them in a hug. Much to their unexpected surprise. "At least we get to spend time with the family!"
Tu looked at the pink anthro pony with an arched eyebrow, "Um, no offense but you're not related to us." Tu was then slapped on the back by Rarity.
"Clearly you are all muscle and no brain. You should know that it takes so much more than blood to become family. I think we should take this golden opportunity to remember that."
To everyone's surprise, music began to fill the air as Rarity sang;

Oh real world
What you do to be
Such a strange and crumbling community
But there is always, opportunity
For you do the friendly thing

(music)
Let Family
Help you find you courage
Play your part
With Family, no matter where you go
You're home
In your heart

As the unicorn sang, everyone's hearts lifted up with happiness. The song continued as they traveled across the desert. Despite the trip, Rarity and the others kept their spirits alive. Even the now mouse Hou-Ting found pleasure in this.

Some might say, in reality
Life is not always an easy task
We won't always get along
I won't deny that fact

But if you truly care for someone, you'll overlook any flaw
Love accepts you and me, just for who we are

Bolin and Ponies;
Let Family
Help you find your courage
Play your part
With Family, no matter where you go
You're home, in your heart

(~)

After some time, Tu looked through the telescope and turned to his eldest cousin, who was piloting the ship. "Guys, it's the wreckage! I found it! There!"
Mako and Bolin walked up to their cousin, seeing the wreckage from the far off distance. As they flew closer, Mako recognized what it was.
"That's a Ba Sing Se airship, all right. But where's the rest of it?"
"I don't know." Bolin said, "But there's some tracks." he pointed to the curvy line that led from the wreckage site all the way across the desert. The airship follows the tracks created by the sand-sailer Korra and the others had made before.
Pinkie Pie spotted the Misty Palms Oasis down bellow. "Look! We're here!"
Mako stirred the airship, preparing to land. Zuko's fateful dragon, Druk was resting on the ground, but flew off upon seeing the airship land heavily. Inside, everyone groaned from Mako's rough landing, his hair a ruffle mess from the impact.
"See, I told you. Landing is hard." said Bolin, who was laying on the floor.
They all arrived at the Misty Palms Oasis, where numerous spirits have gathered around the iceberg. The family walked up to the iceberg as one of the female relatives marveled at the entities.
"Spirits!"
Bolin stood before his family, "Okay, guys. We think Korra found her way back here." as Bolin spoke, he was completely unaware that a certain fire ferret climbed onto his shoulder. "Now let's split off into teams and scour the town. Yes, we'll need your help too, Pabu, now just give me a second while I- wait, Pabu? Pabu!" happy to see his furry companion once more, Bolin hugged Pabu while laughing in joy.
Yin looked at him skeptically, "Why is Bolin hugging that big rat?" she asked her son Chow, who shook his head. Yin then covered her mouth and turned away in disgust, "Eww, now he's kissing it!"
Bolin kissed his furry buddy on the mouth, "I'm never gonna let you go again!"
The rest of the family turned to Tu as he shouted, "Guys, look out! Giant dog beast thingy!"
The relatives all scattered away, leaving Mako alone, while Naga pounced on top of him, licking his face, much to his surprise…and disgust. "Okay, alright, Naga. It's good to see you, too. Gah! Stop! You're licking my mouth." he pushed the giant dog away while spitting in disgust.
"Naga!" Fluttershy rushed to the great beast, welcoming it in a big hug. "Oh, I missed you so much!"
Rarity gasped with awe as she saw the rest of their friends, "Korra! Asami! Twilight! Rainbow!"
At the mention of their names, the two brothers rushed to Korra and Asami who rushed out of the bar along with Twilight, Rainbow, Flash and Spike.
"You guys are okay!" Mako exclaimed happily as he rushed at top speed to welcome his girlfriend in a tight and loving embrace, spinning her around like he always did. Twilight, Rainbow and Flash were welcomed by the rest of the ponies, Spike jumping into Rarity's arms, much to her unexpected, but still happy surprise. Mako and Korra then kissed each other passionately. Still smiling once they ended the kiss, and speaking in unison,
"I was so worried! Are you okay? I'm fine. I love you too!" they once again hugged each other, and were surprised when Ali, San and Mika flew by and chirped happily to see their father again.
"Hey kids! Daddy missed you so much!"
Bolin rushed to Asami and vice versa, wide smiles evident in both of their faces. Bolin held Asami by the waist and lifted her up, hugging her tightly. Asami returned the embrace. Then, Bolin's eyes widened as reality struck him…and the way he was holding Asami. He gently lowered her down and took a step back, nervously scratching the back of his head.
"Sorry. I was just- It's so good to see you."
Asami simply smiled, not feeling awkward from the experience at all. "It's really good to see you, too. All of you."
"Mako!" Twilight ran up to hug her friend.
"Twily!"
It didn't take long for Flash and Rainbow to join in the hug. Bolin spun around when he heard a familiar dragon calling out to him.
"Bolin!"
"Spike!" Bolin squatted down and hugged his friend, "I missed you little buddy!"
Mako and Korra were still holding hands, and the poor firebender was pulled away by Rarity who embraced the Avatar. "Korra! Thank heavens you're okay!"
"It's good to see you too, Rarity--WOW!" the Avatar was unexpectedly tackled by a now pony formed Pinkie Pie who rested on her chest.
"I missed you too, Korra!"
Korra simply laughed and hugged her little pony friend. Lin, Celestia, Luna, Leilani, Tonraq and Zuko all walked out to great them all. "Good. You guys aren't dead." Lin said, surprisingly with a relieved smile.
"Don't get all mushy on me, Chief." Mako then notice Tonraq and bowed in respect, "Tonraq. Sir."
Tonraq nodded to him in response. Then, Bolin noticed the elderly former Fire Lord. He slid towards him, gasping in shock. "Oh my gosh, it's Lord Zuko! I can't believe it." he tried his very best to suppress his laughs of excitement. Rarity approached him as well and she too was overly excited to meet the Fire Lord she had heard so much about.
"It--it--it--it's him. He--he's here---he's here!"
Wanting to save himself from the embarrassment, Mako pulled the pony and his brother away from the man. "Uhm, forgive my brother and my friend. We're just really honored to meet you, Sir." Mako, Bolin and Rarity bowed in respect to Zuko, who bowed as well.
"It's a pleasure to meet you as well."
Flash Sentry walked up to Yin, who smiled at seeing him. "Flash, it's so good to see you again."
"Great to see you too, Grandma Yin."
Yin noticed Asami and Twilight standing beside each other, and the elderly woman, noticing Asami's beauty, believed that she was the one who held her grandson's heart. "You must be the Princess Avatar."
Asami smiled awkwardly, her eyes briefly shifting to Flash and Twilight, silently asking them to sort out this misunderstanding.
"Mako told me so much about you." said Yin, still speaking with Asami, "You are even more beautiful than I imagined."
Thankfully, Mako walked on by with Korra to clear up this awkward misunderstanding. "Uh, actually, that's Asami." he gestured to Korra, who smiled kindly at his grandmother, "This is Princess Korra. Korra, this is my grandma, Yin."
Korra shook Yin's hand, and the elderly woman held the princess by the arm, inspecting her toned biceps, "You are very muscular for a woman."
"Uhm, thanks. You too?"
"And this is Princess Twilight." said Mako, introducing the second alicorn princess, "Flash's girlfriend."
Twilight bowed to the woman, "It's so nice to finally meet you."
Yin smiled, "Such two lovely young princesses." she turned to Asami once more, "And I can only guess that you must be dating my Bolin, right?"
Asami's eyes widened in shock, as did the others, all awkwardly shifting their eyes from side to side, and right when Bolin walked over. "Hey, what are we talking about?"
"Bolin, tell me are you dating this stunning young woman?"
The earthbender's eyes widened as he blinked numerous times before smiling nervously, drops of sweat already forming on his brows. "Oh, well, um…you see, we…uh," he had no idea why he couldn't give her a straight answer, or why his heart was pounding so fast. Asami knew she had to do something, the poor earthbender looked like he was about to pass out.
"Uh, so what happened to you two?" Asami asked, quickly changing the subject and focusing on the heart of the matter. "Where have you been?"
"We were captured by Zaheer and taken to Ba Sing Se." Mako explained, "We were there when the Earth Queen was overthrown."
This news shocked everyone, especially Korra. "What? How did you escape?"
"Zaheer let us go."
"Why would he do that?"
"Because he wanted us to find you and deliver a message." said Bolin, and Rarity stepped up to deliver it.
"Zaheer is heading to the Northern Air Temple as we speak."
Applejack continued, "He said he's gonna wipe out the new Air Nation and everyone in it. Unless you turn yourself over to him."
Korra listened to the news in disbelief and worry while Flash placed a reassuring hand on Twilight's shoulder. Rainbow Dash was appalled by this. "He can't do that!"
"Zaheer's threatening innocent lives just to get to me." Korra stated, feeling guilty about everything that has happened.
"He could be bluffing." Tonraq said.
"He's already taken out the Earth Queen." Mako stated, "I don't think he bluffs."
Suddenly, the mouse Hou-Ting began to squeak frantically, alarming Fluttershy. "What is it?" she asked. The mouse queen continued to speak in her rodent language, and as Fluttershy listened on, she gasped in shock. "It can't be!"
"Flutters, what wrong?" Korra asked with concern.
"I…this may sound crazy but, this mouse I found back in Ba Sing Se, is saying that…she's the Earth Queen."
"What are you talking about?" Asami asked.
Korra walked forward to the creature, now resting on her friend's palm, inspecting it closely. To her surprise, it had green eyes, similar to that of the queen. There was only one way to know for sure. "Okay, if you can understand me, squeak once for yes, twice for no. Are you really the earth queen?" To everyone's surprise, the mouse squeaked once. "It is her!"
"It must have been the poison joke." Mako said.
"When did you find poison joke?"
"Long story."
Celestia walked over to Fluttershy, looking down at the mouse queen, who looked at the alicorn with sincere regret. The alciorn smiled warmly. "I see being in this form has given you a new perspective on things, hasn't it your Majesty?"
Hou-Ting squeaked once for yes. But right now, they had more important things to worry about.
"I hate to interrupt this but, we can't forget about Zaheer." Rarity said, "He's after the airbenders, and Sweetie Belle is with them."
"And so is Apple Bloom." Applejack said with worry.
"And Scootaloo." said Rainbow with equal worry.
"We need to radio Tenzin and warn him that the Red Lotus is coming." Korra said, and her boyfriend nodded in agreement.
"I agree. Unfortunately, we don't have a radio on the airship."
"There's a portable radio on the jeep," said Tonraq, "but the signal will never make it to the Northern Air Temple."
"We need to get to a place that has a strong radio transmitter." Lin said, "The Metal Clan will have one."
Leilani stepped forward, "Then let us go. We will radio Su on the way."
"Hopefully she can get a hold of Tenzin at the air temple by the time we get to Zaofu." Korra said, though she could not ease her pounding heart.

(~)

Via airship, they arrived in Zaofu while Zuko rode on Druk and they approached the dock. Team Avatar dismounted with Su and two Metal Clan escort awaiting them.
"Did you have any luck getting through to Tenzin?" Korra asked. Su shook her head and spoke with worry.
"No one's answering. What if Zaheer's already up there? I should never have let Opal go."
Lin placed a comforting hand around her sister, "It's going to be okay, Su."
"I hope so."
In the radio room, a radio operator adjusted the controls. "We have a strong signal, but no one's answering."
Korra was already growing impatient. "I can't just sit around here while a madman is on his way to the Northern Air Temple. We have to do something."
"I'll ready my airship." said Su, "With a full force of the Metal Clan security backing us, we can take them." with that, she left the room.
"We'll never make it up there before Zaheer." Mako said, though a part of him wished he wasn't right.
"We can't give in now." Twilight said determinedly, "There might be another way to stop him."
"What you got?" Flash asked.
"It's a long shot, but Zaheer is always meditating into the Spirit World. And Korra and I know exactly where he goes: Xai Bau's Grove."
"You're right." said Korra, "If I can find him there, maybe I could somehow trap him."
"We can't protect you in there." Lin said, "I don't like it."
"I'll be fine. I have to try."
"I'll watch over her as she meditates." said Twilight
"I guess, in the meantime the rest of us will stay here and try to get through to the temple." Bolin said.
"We'll help Su ready the airship." Tonraq said.
Korra, Asami, Twilight and Tonraq walked out of the room, leaving the brothers, and Flash, alone with their grandmother. "I'm going to take a nap." said the elderly woman, leaving the three boys by themselves. Mako began making small talk with his little brother.
"So…is something going on between you and Asami by any chance?"
Bolin's eyes widened and he quickly snapped, "I don't want to talk about it!" he returned to leaning against the wall. Both Flash and Mako exchanged sneaky/knowing smiles. Boy was the earthbender an easy read.

(~)

In the garden, Korra sat near a tree and began to meditate, with Asami and Twilight sitting beside her, as well as the rest of the Mane Six.
"You sure you don't need back up?" Rainbow asked.
"Don't worry, I'll be fine. I'll let you know if I need you."
The ponies allowed Korra to make her choice, and she closed her eyes, as her spirit entered the spirit world. She opened her eyes and found herself in the empty Xai Bau's Grove. She began calling out for the Red Lotus leader. "Zaheer! Come out! Face me! Leave the airbenders out of this!" in the fog, she noticed a figure approaching her from behind. "There you are." she took her stance as the figure approached. However, the voice she heard was not of Zaheer.
"Please don't hurt me, Korra. I'm just an old man."
"Iroh?" Korra lowered her defenses as the elderly man approached her, his image coming into clear view. He looked just about the same as he did the first time she met him. "What are you doing here?"
"I was just out searching for a new teapot to add to my collection. But instead, I found you." he chuckled, "In the Spirit World, you always seem to find something you don't know you were looking for." he noticed the young princess had a troubled expression. "You look troubled."
"I am."
"Sit." Both sat down on the ground. "What is on your mind?"
"There's a maniac on the loose and he's threatening to destroy the new Air Nation. I don't know what to do."
"Just because you are the Avatar, doesn't mean you will have all the answers. Nobody does."
"But I'm not just the Avatar anymore, I'm an alicorn Princess now too. I have more responsibilities now more than ever."
"Alicorn. Princess. Avatar. Those are just tittles. You are not two different things Korra, you are only you. It's not the name that defies who you are, but the importance you give to it."
"I know many Avatars have needed guidance. But I'm the only one since Avatar Wan that can't get help from my past lives. I wish I could talk to Aang."
"You may not have Aang's spirit to guide you, but you still have your friends."
"I know, and I'm grateful for that…but sometimes I worry I put them at too much risk."
"They stand beside you because they love you. Because they choose to stand with you and because they know you would go to the ends of the earth for them, the same way Aang would have done for them."
Iroh did make a good point, but Korra still felt that she was a stepping stone for her friends. As much as she loved them, she also lived with the constant worry that something might happen to them, and it would be all her fault. Iroh then decided to give Korra another suggestion that could help.
"You know, Zuko and Aang were close friends."
"Lord Zuko, of course."
"Yes, my nephew. Their relationship started off a little rocky, but they grew to become lifelong friends. Best friends. They brought out the best in one another. Neither one would have become the men they are if they had never met. Aang may not be around as he used to, but his spirit does still resides in places you least expect. All things happen for a reason, Korra. But just because you can't see them, it doesn't mean they aren't there."
"Thank you! Thank you so much. You're right about the Spirit World. I came here looking for someone else, but I'm glad I found you." she said with a loving smiled before her body began to disappear.
Korra opened her eyes and returned to the physical world, finding her friends waiting for her.
"Did you find Zaheer?" Asami asks.
"No, he wasn't there. But there's someone I need to talk to."

(~)

Korra walked over to Lord Zuko, who was preparing to mount on Druk. "You're leaving? Aren't you coming to the air temple with us?"
"I'm sorry, but I can't. I'm going back to the Fire Nation. If it's true that the Red Lotus is targeting the nations' leaders, I need to protect my daughter."
"I understand. You have to keep the Fire Lord safe. But before you leave, I was wondering if you could help me with something."
"I was often Aang's counsel and I'd love to be yours."
"That's just it. You knew Aang better than anyone. Aside from Katara and Toph of course. I was wondering if you knew what he might do if he were in my situation."
Zuko stroked his beard in thought. "Hmm. Rebuilding the Air Nation was Aang's biggest dream. He would be beside himself with joy with what you've done. And if he accomplished that goal, he might have sacrificed anything to protect it."
Korra lowered her gaze in sadness. "So he would give himself up to save the Air Nation?"
"I don't know for sure. The airbenders might have been closest to Aang's heart, but, as the Avatar, he was concerned with people of all nations. No one knew better than Aang that in times of turmoil, the world needs its Avatar the most."
Korra smiled graciously. "Thanks. Your uncle was right. It was helpful talking to you."
"Wait, you spoke with my uncle?"
"Yes. In the Spirit World. A couple of times actually."
Zuko listened with surprise as Mako ran towards them, "Guys. We got through to the air temple."
The trio ran to the radio room, where Bolin was using the radio. He was speaking to Meelo on the other end. "Who is this?"
"I told you, it's Bolin!" he said irritably, while Meelo was casually picking his nose on his side.
"Bolin's not here right now. Can I take a message?"
"No! I'm not looking for Bolin, I am Bolin! Gah, look, I need you to find your dad."
"He's outside with the bison. Did you know we found a whole herd full of baby bison?"
"No, a whole herd? Really?" Bolin was then roughly pushed aside by Korra, who took the microphone and spoke to Meelo in a demanding voice.
"Meelo, this is your commanding officer. Go get your dad, now!"
"Yes, sir!" Meelo said with a salute and ran off to get Tenzin. All was silent on the other hand, Korra could feel the feathers of her wings ruffling from the nerves.
"Come on, come on!"
"Hello? This is Tenzin."
"Tenzin! Listen to me carefully. Zaheer is on his way to the temple. He's coming for the airbenders. You have to get everyone out of there immediately. Drop everything. Leave! Now!"
"Oh no."
Korra did not like the sound of that at all. "What? What is it? Tenzin! Tenzin, what's happening?!"
Tenzin's eyes widened in fear and horror as he witnessed and airship lowering down towards the temple. With the Red Lotus inside.
"It's too late…He's here."
Korra's hands were shaking, Rarity gasped and Applejack was trembling. Zaheer was already at the air temple. Where their sisters were. "Tenzin, you have to get out of there! Now!"
"We will!"
With that, Tenzin hung up, which only increased Korra's nerves. Her heart was pounding with terror, she was literally paralyzed with fear. Tenzin was in danger and there was nothing she could do about it at the time. If they left now they would never make it in time. The Avatar hid her face into her palms, bursting into tears. Mako walked over to comfort her and she buried her face in his chest, sobbing uncontrollably.
This was a nightmare.

(~)

Zaheer and P'Li were standing on the entrance of the airship, which was making circles around the air temple. Tenzin and Meelo saw the machine from the Temple's windows.
"What is it, Daddy?"
"We need to get everyone out of here." Tenzin grabbed his glider and turned to Meelo. "Stay close to me." he jumped out of the window and opened his glider as Meelo followed him. They landed on a garden where Bumi, Kai and other four airbenders and three ponies looked at the flying airship, its large shadow engulfing half of the temple as it flew by. Bumi turned to his brother,
"What's going on, Tenzin?"
"It's Zaheer. Round everyone up! We need to get to the bison and evacuate immediately!"
Bumi, Kai, and another airbender began running as the airship was flying behind them. They reached the airbending training area where Daw and another airbender are training along with Scootaloo while Apple Bloom watched. They noticed Kai suddenly show up. "Guys, we got an emergency. We're evacuating the temple. Come on."
"What's going on?" Asked Scootaloo with concern.
"Some guy named Zaheer is flying around the temple on an airship." Kai replied.
The two Crusaders gasped in horror, that horrible man was back. "Well then what are we waiting for?" said Apple Bloom, "Let's move!"
Kai, the Crusaders and the airbenders began running to the exit, until they were stopped when a wave of lava emerged from underground, blocking their way.
"Look out!"
Kai the others ejected themselves back while Apple Bloom back flipped away. Yeah, she learned that too. The group then saw a man with long dark hair and green clothing walking onto of one of the roofs, smiling down upon them. It was Ghazan.
Scootaloo and Apple Bloom held one another for safety, "Looks like Zaheer didn't come alone." said Scootaloo in fear.

(~)

In the meditation room where Kya is meditating with Opal, Sweetie Belle and three other female airbenders, a door sound disturbed them and they turned towards it, seeing Kya's eldest brother approaching them with a worried expression.
"It's Zaheer! We have to leave."
Nobody asked any questions as they stood up and followed the former commander. Kya took Sweetie Belle, her young pupil, by the hand. "Stay with me, Sweetie Belle." the unicorn nodded and they all followed Bumi outside. They all stopped when they heard Opal screaming. They spun around, shocked to see Ming-Hua grabbing the young airbender from behind, and menacing her with an ice spike.
"No one's going anywhere, or she gets it."

(~)

Tenzin and his family were running across a bridge but were stopped when Zaheer landed in front of them. "Good. The entire family is here."
Soon, all the airbenders, ponies included, were rounded up in the courtyard by Ming-Hua, Ghazan, and Zaheer. Apple Bloom growled at the villains and Zaheer approached Tenzin.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet a true airbending master."
"What is it you want from us?" Tenzin asked.
"Nothing at all. In fact, if everyone cooperates, you will all walk out of this situation unharmed."
"Then what are you doing here?
"I want Korra, and I'm tired of chasing her."
"You're using us as leverage."
"Yes."
"That's just sick!" Apple Bloom exclaimed.
Tenzin stood up and faced the man. "I will never let you get to Korra."
"Unfortunately, you don't have a choice."
"Yes, I do." with his airbending, Tenzin pushed the three criminals away, they grunted once they hit the wall hard. Tenzin turned to his eldest daughter and the ponies. "Jinora! Get everyone out of here. Bumi, Kya, help me hold them off!" from above, on board the airship, P'Li shoot a combustion attack near Tenzin, but he used his airbending to protect the group. "And stay out of her line of sight! Go, go!"
The airbenders and ponies all ran away. P'Li fired a beam at the exit, though everyone had already evacuated in the nick of time become it collapsed. As the airship flew overhead, the criminals approached Aang's children, who stood their ground. No way were they backing down from these guys.
Kya attacked by bending the water from a nearby fountain and formed a ring around her. The Red Lotus readied themselves and Zaheer threw a gust of wind.
The rest of the airbenders reached the end of the sheltered route. They looked at the stable and Kai gestured for them signaling it was safe to to move out, though they were all forced to retreat when bombarded with combustion beams, curtesy of P'Li. Pema held her baby close to her. "It's too dangerous. We'll never make it to the stables with her up there."
Meanwhile, Zaheer somersaulted, avoiding Tenzin's air blast. He constantly avoided the air nomad's attacks by jumping to new heights across the room, before reaching the roof, Tenzin managed to land a hit on Zaheer, but he was still able to run off, avoiding the master's attack. Zaheer made it to the houses and attached to the wall, which Tenzin followed, attacking him with a close-range blast which was blocked. Zaheer rose and landed onto the protective wall. Tenzin followed and attacked him from behind, knocking him off balance. Zaheer managed to regain his ground and somersaulted, kicking a blast of air at the meantime. Tenzin avoided the attack and fired two quick air blast, which Zaheer avoided by somersaulting above him. Zaheer landed successfully and send an air kick.
Kya, attempted to redirect Ming-Hua's water appendages, but to no avail. Ming-Hua leaped up and attempted to land a hit on Kya, but she was able to dodge the attack. Ming-Hua then froze the tips of her appendages into ice blades and swung them toward Kya, slicing a statue into pieces in the process, though Kya was able to dodge the attacks. As a blade nearly sliced her, she broke it off and threw it to Ming-Hua. The armless waterbender grabbed the blade and threw it back to Kya, sending two more ice spikes in the meantime. Kya managed to break off two of the ice, though was knocked against the wall by the last fragment. Ming-Hua bended a water vortex and charged toward Kya, but she was able to send a large wave of water to Ming-Hua, knocking her off the cliff. Kya walked up to where her rival had fallen, feeling a slight sting of guilt for killing was never something he had ever wanted to do in her life. But, the woman was taken aback to find that the woman was still alive, bending the directed water into multiple water arms. Kya's yes widened in horror.
"No."
Ming-Hua smirked evilly and used her appendages to knock Kya back into the hall. Bumi jumped down to the first floor with Ghazan giving chase, melting the floor above. Once on the same floor, Ghazan erupted it into lava, forcing Bumi to land onto the hall. Ghazan bended the floor beneath Bumi into lava, but he was able to jump out of the way before it erupted. Ghazan directed the lava to Bumi, but he leaped to the wall and charged toward Ghazan with airbending, sliding beneath his legs behind him. He pounced atop the lavabender, grabbing him by the neck and pulling his hair before biting him on the shoulder. Ghazan screamed in pain before launching Bumi off with an earth pillar.
Kya evaded Ming-Hua's attacks before being thrown toward her brother. Both siblings gathered in front of a statue of an Air Nomad to catch some breath. "I see you're having as much fun as I am." Bumi said, catching his breath.
These benders were no joke.

(~)

At the bison stable, P'Li continued to bombard the area with combustion beams, forcing the airbenders and ponies to hide in the stables. Kai was already getting sick and tired of all of this, and so was Scootaloo.
"I can't wait any longer." Kai grabbed his staff.
"Wait, what are you doing?" Jinora asked with worry.
"Whatever I can. Get to the bison! Get out of here!" he said as he ran out. Not willing to let her friend face this alone, Scootalo also took her staff and followed him, with Apple Bloom calling out for her friend.
"Scootalo! Come back!"
Seeing the two, P'Li unleashed a combustion beam at Kai, who narrowly missed the attack. Scootallo managed to divert P'Li's attention by waving her hand and calling out to her,
"Hey, lady! Over here!"
P'Li unleashed a combustion at the pony who managed to avoid her attacks by doing back flips, using her airbending to boost her up, basically distracting her. However, her next attack came a bit too fast for Scootalo, and the impact threw the pony off the cliff. She tried to open up her glider, but the wing was torn. She couldn't fly. Kai ran towards the cliff, opened up his glider and caught the anthro pegasus, before she hit the ground, avoiding multiple combustion beams. As they flew past P'Li, she turned her attention to the fleeing airbenders. Kai, with Scootalo, flew back to the airship, and Scootaloo send an air swipe to P'Li, causing her to misfire and blast the cliff above. P'Li turned her attention to Kai and fired another combustion beam. Scootalo protected them with an air ball, but was knocked out. As the airbenders fled the scene, Jinora, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle turned back, witnessing their friends falling down from the sky. They watched helplessly with tears in their eyes.
"Kai!"
"Scootaloo!"
"No."
Scootaloo reverted back into her pony form, as she and Kai were both knocked unconscious as they plunged down the mountain. At the stable, the bison took off without the airbenders when confronted with a combustion beam. The airbenders turned to look up at the airship. There was no way the could escape the temple now.
P'Li had them cornered.

(~)

The fight led the siblings to the balcony. Bumi was knocked back with a water blast from Ming-Hia and his sister retreated to cover him, freezing her water to block Ghazan's rock, though the next attack shattered the ice. Bumi stepped back and nearly lost his footing, looking down at the long drop bellow. Ghazan bended a large earth fissure, which threw the two siblings off the temple. Bumi airbended and held on to the ledge while grabbing his sister's hand.
"I got you." Bumi held on to his sister with all of his might. Both were worn out and exhaust. Bumi groaned as he held on tight before turning to see the airship, with P'Li in it. This was it, there was no where else to go. Kya knew what needed to be done.
"Bumi, let go!"
"But we could die!"
"We're gonna die if we hang on!"
P'Li directed a combustion beam toward Bum, who hung on a bit longer before reluctantly letting go, narrowly missing the combustion blast. Both siblings screamed as they plunged down the cliff before their fall was cushioned by trees, and they landed on the cliffside, unconscious.

(~)

Tenzin continued to attack Zaheer with an air blast, which Zaheer dodged. Tenzin jumped behind Zaheer to avoid an attack and countered by arching his back to threw another blast, knocking down Zaheer. Tenzin charged toward the wicked man, but was knocked off by an unexpected combustion blast, curtesy of P'Li. He cushioned his fall with airbending, preparing for another attack, but was struck by Ming-Hua on his right and Ghazan on his left. He dodged barrages of attack by Ming-Hua, Ghazan and Zaheer, though was knocked down each time. As the Red Lotus surrounded him, he braced himself up and blew off Ghazan and Zaheer. He protected himself in an air sphere, but was then blasted against a wall by P'Li and fell from a bridge. He propelled himself up, using the wall behind him for support. His clothing was tattered and his face was badly bruised. He breathed in deeply, though tired and worn, he refused to give up. Zaheer and the rest of the Red Lotus surrounded him.
"Give up. It's over."
"As long as I'm breathing, it's not over."
Tenzin stroked Zaheer with a close-range air blast, but missed due to his exhaustion. Zaheer knew that the man would not last another beating, but the look of fiery determination in his eyes made Zaheer realize that he was not giving up. If it was a fight he wanted, it was a fight he was going to get. Tenzin grunted and fell to his knees as the Red Lotus continued to assault him with attacks.

(~)

Kai was woken up by something licking his face. He was hanging upside-down on a tree with a pony Scootalo, who was too woken up by the baby bison who also licked her face.
"Scootalo, are you alright?"
"Just barely."
Kai tried to fee himself from the tree and landed on the bison. With his help, Scootalo jumped onto the bison's back as well. Kai scratched the bison's ear in gratitude.
"Thanks, buddy. Yip, yip!"
The bison flew off into the distance, with the airbender and pony ridding on it. They were the only ones who managed to escape.
"So what do we do now?" Scootaloo asked. Kai looked down in thought.
"We have to save them."
"How?"
"…I don't know.

(~)

The Little Pony Legend 3: The Great Change

by MaggiesHeartLove

The Ultimatum